Oh Joy Sex Toy: Writing a Sex List

I've been producing webcomics since I was 15 and doing it full-time as a professional since the age of 25 at Periscope Studio in Portland, OR. My work has been published by Dark Horse Comics, BOOM! Studios, Image Comics, Fantagraphics, Last Gasp and Villard, among my many self-published projects as well.

Oh Joy Sex Toy is a weekly comics series that graphically explores sex and sexuality. This week, artist Terry Blas explains how a simple sheet of paper can help make your relationship more sex positive.

Here is a text transcription of the comic to make it more accessible for people using screen readers. Transcription by Morgan Kelly.

Erika introduces this comic announcing, “My Dearest Perverts! Many THANK YOUs to my Persiscope Studio-mate Terry Blas for being my second of four guest cartoonist while I travel!”

Under a large headline that reads, “YES, NO, MAYBE SO!” Terry waves and says, “HI THERE! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Terry Blas. I’m not sure but I think I might be Portland’s only gay, ex-Mormon, Latin, comic book drawing nerd. If not, hey, let me know! But someone once told me that if you take a look at my background, it’s clear to see why I enjoy… Organizing and making lists! I know what you’re thinking. Lists? Lists aren’t SEXY.” Terry interrupts himself to say with raised eyebrows, “AU CONTRAIRE!”

“A great way to spice things up in your relationship is to take a stab at filling out a SEX LIST! Everyone knows that one of the most important things in a relationship is…” Then Terry and another person announce in unison, “Communication!” Terry continues, “If you aren’t familiar, a sex list is a list of sexual activities with columns for YES, NO, and MAYBE. You fill it out and see what you are or might be into! And of course what you definitely aren’t into! Give it a try!” The accompanying illustration depicts two people seated on a sofa, holding hands and looking over papers. Terry adds, “You can find one online or begin with this admittedly limited one. Let’s just call it a beginner’s list!”

Terry explains how to approach this list. “Step One: Grab a pen, get comfortable and fill out the list alone. Step Two: BE HONEST. Don’t listen to that little shoulder devil. It’s all about communicating your interests and needs. Step Three: Edit your list. Take things out that don’t apply to you. Step Four: Get together and discuss! No Judgment! Listen and compare your lists! THEN GET TO THE SEXY STUFF!”

Terry continues, “A list can help get a conversation started. Hopefully, you’ve now got a wide variety of fun things to try. You might find you check a lot of ‘maybes.’ Be adventurous but safe! You never know what you might like until you try it.” Two people are laying in bed together reading over a list.

Terry adds, “Also it can build excitement, knowing that later on, you’re going to be doing stuff from your lists.” Two people are sitting on a sofa playing video games. One person says, “So tonight…” And the other person responds, “Oh I know. I didn’t forget. You’re gonna get it!”

Terry concludes this comic, with his finger raised, “BUT REMEMBER: Tastes change over time. Fill out a new list every once in a while. Also, add things to your list. If there’s stuff you want to try that you think was left out, write it in! And last but not least, have fun!”